• Billy Joel’s The Stranger

    It’s just like book club but with albums! With new advances in technology, the way we consume music through our devices, apps and on demand streaming services like Pandora, Spotify and iTunes is making the idea of the “album” as an art form extinct. Get together with other music enthusiasts on Tuesday nights to discuss some of the greatest records of all-time! Listen to the album beforehand and then come prepared to discuss. This event will feature Billy Joel’s The Stranger.

    This event is offered BOTH in person and via Zoom. Join us in person at the Great Hall Auditorium on the Campus of Monmouth University or join us via zoom. When you register you will be provided the ZOOM meeting link to join the conversation.

    Free and open to the public, but registration is required.

  • Songwriters By The Sea

    Distinguished NJ Songwriters Joe Rapolla and Joe D’Urso are back this year hosting the celebrated Songwriters by the Sea series at the Lauren K. Woods Theatre. What once started in a small coffee shop as an area for local songwriters has now grown into a series that features some of the top songwriters in the country. This year, the show features special guests Willie Nile and Emily Grove, as well as an opening set by student/artist Amani Lillian and Prof. George Wurzbach.

    A pre-show reception will be held at 7 pm for all ticket holders, doors open at 7:30 PM

    The New York Times called Buffalo, NY born Willie Nile “one of the most gifted singer-songwriters to emerge from the New York scene in years.” Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Pete Townshend, Lou Reed, Lucinda Williams, Jim Jarmusch, and Little Steven are among those who have sung his praises. He has toured across the U.S. with The Who and has sung with Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band. As the induction program from the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame says: “His live performances are legendary.” His 2020 album New York At Night got rave reviews, with Downbeat calling it a “sonic love letter to Gotham.” His newest studio album The Day The Earth Stood Still, which features a duet with Steve Earle on the song “Blood On Your Hands” was released on Aug 13, 2021.

    Emily Grove has had a varied and exciting musical journey, from coffeehouses to Berklee College of Music, to television appearances to tours in the UK and Europe. She has toured the UK, Ireland, US, and Canada, opening up for and performing with British artist David Ford. She also had her own headlining tour in Germany, Bulgaria, and England. She recently put on a sold- out Joni Mitchell show, featuring some of Asbury Park’s most talented musicians. She’s performed with/opened up for Glen Burtnik, Brett Michaels, Dan Reed, David Ford, Jeffrey Gaines, James Maddock, John Lefler (Dashboard Confessional), Ari Hest, and many others. She’s recorded with David Ford, Glen Burtnik, Steve Forbert, and UK artist Jack Henderson, among many others.

    About Songwriters by the Sea:
    Songwriters by the Sea began as intimate, casual coffeehouse jam sessions around Asbury Park, and has since evolved into a national show attracting some of the most revered singers and songwriters of today’s scene— from David Johansen and Garland Jeffreys to Glen Burtnik, Rhett Miller, Marshall Crenshaw and Alison Moorer. Along the way, D’Urso (front man of Stone Caravan and board member of WHY Hunger and Light Of Day) and Rapolla (a veteran music industry executive, solo performer, and front man of the band Perfect Square) have fine-tuned their circle of artists, trading favorite songs and illuminating backstories behind their most personal works, into a vehicle that brings out the best in the assembled talent. Whether the venue is a club, a historic theater or a campus performing arts center, Songwriters by the Sea has been known to turn any space into an intimate house party atmosphere; a gathering of friends and a place where something akin to magic often takes hold.

    All net proceeds will support Monmouth University’s Endowed Music Industry Scholarships.
    Sponsored by Tim Cabrey, The Golland Family, Don Moliver, and Matt & Carol Wojcik in memory of Mark Wojcik.
    Photo by John Posada

  • Blue Hawk Records Industry Alumni Networking Event

    The Monmouth University Music and Theatre Arts Department is producing a networking event to connect students with alumni working in the music and entertainment field. Come meet and hear directly from alumni at Warner, Sony, Disney, SiriusXM, On Tour and more!

  • Monmouth University Music & Arts Festival 2022

    Monmouth University’s Summer Music and Arts festival is now in its third season—and its first as an in-person event – is taking place on Saturday, July 9th in the theatres and galleries across campus. With family-friendly programming, student performances, a visual arts exhibit and an eclectic evening concert – there truly is something for everyone to enjoy.

    Festival Schedule:

    Blue Hawk Records logo image
    Blue Hawk House Band

    Woods Theatre | 4:00 PM
    Tickets: $20, Children are FREE (must be accompanied by paying adult)

    Following the Garden State Philharmonic, Monmouth University’s very own Blue Hawk House Band, who has been entertaining folks virtually throughout the pandemic monthly during Tuesday Night Record Club, will make their live debut. These talented students put their very own spin on rock and pop classics.

    An Evening of Poetry, Jazz and Harp Beats - click or tap for event information
    Poetry, Jazz and “Harp”Beats

    Pollak Theatre | 7:00 PM
    Tickets: $38-$50

    Finally, the festival will conclude with a capstone evening of Poetry, Jazz and “Harp”Beats featuring – Kuf Knotz and Christine Elise’s hip-hop poetry with bluesy beats supported by the harp, New Jersey native and former US Poet Laureate Robert Pinsky’s “PoemJazz” with a reading and performance of poems in concert with a variety of jazz improvisations. Also featured on the evening’s bill are the Digba Ogunbiyi Quartet playing original compositions that are deeply rooted in Ogunbiyi’s Nigeria roots, yet highly informed by his years of studying Jazz; and an opening set by Gregory Schwartz, former recipient of the Poet Laureate of Asbury Park award.

    Tom Petty (left) and Bob Dylan performing together in concert - click or tap for event information
    Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul
    Pollak and DiMattio Galleries
    10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Free and open to the public
    Throughout the day, participants are invited to view the iconic photographs of Larry Hulst in the exhibition Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul on display in Pollak and Ice House Galleries. From Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix to David Bowie and Lauryn Hill the exhibit brings together over 70 images of legendary musicians and singers across three genres showcasing a unique visual anthology of rock, blues, and soul music from 1970–1999. The exhibition will run through July 15.
    The Monmouth University Music & Arts Festival is designed to provide Monmouth County communities and beyond, along with the students, faculty, and staff at Monmouth University, with the opportunity to enjoy a top-flight music and arts event each summer.
  • Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul

    The iconic photographs of Larry Hulst capture the freewheeling energy of live music and the enduring visual spectacle of rock’s greatest performers. From Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix to David Bowie and Lauryn Hill, Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues and Soul brings together over 70 images of legendary musicians and singers across three genres and generations. The exhibition charts Hulst’s extraordinary path through the pulsing heart of the most exciting live music of the last century, showcasing a unique visual anthology of rock, blues, and soul music from 1970–1999. These images, which have been featured on album art and Rolling Stone spreads, convey Hulst’s lifelong passion for the magnetism, immediacy, and unpredictability of live music. With photos that also document the unforgettable voices of funk, punk, and beyond, Front Row Center grants viewers an all-access pass to some of the most memorable performances in popular music history.

    GALLERY TALK:
    June 2, 2022 at 5:30 PM| REGISTER HERE
    Please join us for gallery talk by Dr. Ken Womack, who will give an in depth look at the iconic photographs of Larry Hulst in the exhibition Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul on display in Pollak Gallery. Professor of English and Popular Music at Monmouth University Dr. Ken Womack is an American writer, literary critic, public speaker, and music historian, particularly focusing on the cultural influence of the Beatles. He is the author of the bestselling Solid State: The Story of Abbey Road and the End of the Beatles and John Lennon, 1980: The Last Days in the Life.

    About Larry Hulst
    Born in 1946 in San Diego, Larry Hulst is a longtime participant and chronicler of the concert scene. His collection of nearly three thousand black-and-white negatives has helped immortalize the live acts of influential musicians over five momentous decades of rock history. His photography career began in 1969, when the former Navy corpsman returned home to Sacramento after a tour of duty in Vietnam. Citing Jim Marshall, Ansel Adams, and Lynn Goldsmith among his influences,

    Hulst is fueled both by his respect for his musical heroes and by his dedication to perfecting his photographic eye. The hallmark of Hulst’s work is his authentic ability to evoke the raw energy and emotion of the concert experience. The only prop he has ever needed was the stage. “I never wanted to go backstage,” Hulst states. “I want to be where the action is. After all, the ‘show’ is projected out onto the audience. I want to be in the audience.”

    Front Row Center: Icons of Rock, Blues, and Soul is organized and toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC.

  • Climate Crisis: What Can We Do? An Earth Day Lecture

    Join us for a very special Adult Education Series Earth Day lecture with Heide Estes introducing the topic of Climate Crisis: What Can We Do?

    Climate crisis is real, and is constantly in the news, and triggers climate grief and climate anxiety. We need to take action, and fast … but how? We need change at all levels: individual, corporate, and governmental, and this lecture will provide strategies for how to engage in all three areas. You will learn about the importance of talking about climate with friends and family members, voting with climate change in mind, and disinvesting from fossil fuels — via your retirement fund, your workplace, anywhere you have influence. You will find out about ways you can change your diet, your home, and your transportation to lower your own carbon footprint, and provide an example to those people you’re talking with. You will learn about resources you can use to get educated, and to stay up to date with the latest developments. The important thing: do something, not nothing.

    Free and open to the public, but registration is required. When you register you will be provided the meeting link to join the conversation.

    WANT TO LEARN MORE? – Register for Prof. Estes extended three-session Adult Education Course Climate Crisis: What Can We Do? for a deeper dive in to the topic. More here: www.monmouth.edu/mca/event/climate-crisis-what-can-we-do/

  • Journey

    In recognition of their 50th Anniversary, Monmouth Arts is reflecting on their journey over the past half-century as well as where they’re headed. The Center for the Arts is pleased to partner with Monmouth Arts to present the group show, Journey, an exhibition of works by Monmouth Arts members that express “Journey” as it relates to each artist’s experience.

    Opening Reception (virtual): Thursday, December 2 at 7 pm  (click here to register)
    In-Person Artist Reception: January 14, 6-8pm (click here to register)

    Please note the gallery is closed for winter break from December 24 through January 3.

  • Sam Cusumano

    Join us for a virtual Arts-Engineering talk/performance/workshop with Sam Cusumano. Cusumano is an Engineer for the Arts living in Philadelphia working with students, artists, musicians, and curators to create educational interactive electronic devices and installations. As part of his creative practice, he has connected plants and fungi with synthesizers to make music. Biodata Sonification is the process of representing invisible changes in plants to create music. By detecting microcurrent fluctuations across the surface of a plant’s leaf, these changes are used to generate MIDI notes which can be played through a synthesizer or computer to create sound. In this virtual presentation Sam Cusumano will explain methods used to tap into the secret life of plants, showing how to translate data for making music, and discuss the implications of interpreting biodata. Audio examples of Biodata Sonification will be performed live using analog synthesizers, digital audio workstations, and synth apps along with a Snake Plant, large Monstera, and various Cacti.

    When you register you will be provided the meeting link to join the conversation.

    Free and open to the public, but registration is required.

    This event is being recorded for educational and archival purposes and it may be posted on our website. By participating in this presentation, you give permission for Monmouth University to record the presentation for University purposes. You understand that your name, likeness, voice and statements may be recorded. If you do not wish to be recorded, a recording of this presentation will later be available upon request, and you can contact Amanda Stojanov, Assistant Professor of Digital Media (astojano@monmouth.edu) with any questions you may have regarding the presentation.

  • Atlantics Virtual Panel Discussion

    Join us for a World Cinema Series zoom discussion illuminating the theme “Living on the Edge: Displacement, Identity, and Resilience” by analyzing the message and impact of the 2019 film, Atlantics.

    Atlantics (French: Atlantique) is a internationally co-produced supernatural romantic drama film directed by Mati Diop, in her feature directorial debut. It was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival. Diop made history when the film premiered at Cannes, becoming the first Black woman to direct a film featured in competition at the festival.

    The film is centered around a young woman, Ada, and her partner, Souleiman, struggling in the face of employment, class, migration, crime, family struggles, and ghosts. Working mostly with unknown actors, Diop focused in the film on issues such as the refugee crisis, remorse, loss, grief, class struggle, and taking responsibility (or not) of one’s actions. The Atlantic Ocean is used in many ways throughout the film, including as a symbol and engine for change, growth, life, and death.

    The discussion of the film will be led by Dr. Julius Adekunle, Professor in the department of History and Anthropology and Dr. Lisa Vetere, Associate Professor in the department of English.

    The film is available for streaming on Netflix.

    When you register you will be provided the meeting link to join the conversation.

    Free and open to the public, but registration is required.

  • Saïd Sayrafiezadeh

    Join us for a zoom reading and Q&A with author Saïd Sayrafiezadeh.

    Saïd Sayrafiezadeh is the author, most recently, of the story collection, American Estrangement. His memoir, When Skateboards Will Be Free, was selected as one of the 10 best books of the year by Dwight Garner of The New York Times, and his story collection, Brief Encounters With the Enemy, was a finalist for the PEN/Robert W. Bingham Fiction Prize. His writing has appeared in The New Yorker, The Paris Review, The Best American Short Stories, Granta, McSweeney’s, The New York Times, and New American Stories, among other publications. He is the recipient of a Whiting Writers’ Award for nonfiction and a Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers’ fiction fellowship.

    Saïd leads the Creative Nonfiction track in Hunter’s MFA program. He also teaches creative writing at Columbia University and New York University, where he received an Outstanding Teaching Award.

    When you register you will be provided the meeting link to join the conversation.

    Free and open to the public, but registration is required.